INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Department of Industrial Accidents1 Father DeValles Boulevard

Fall River, Massachusetts

Prepared by:Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Bureau of Environmental HealthIndoor Air Quality Program

August 2016

BACKGROUND

Building: Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA)

Address: 1 Father DeValles Boulevard

Assessment Requested by: John O’Donnell, Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAMM)

Reason for Request: Battery/chemical release, indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns

Date of Assessment: August 8, 2016

Massachusetts Department of Public Health/Bureau of Environmental Health (MDPH/BEH) Staff Conducting Assessment:

Mike Feeney, Director and Cory Holmes, Environmental Analyst/Inspector IAQ Program

Date of Building Construction: Early 1900s

Building Description: Former stone mill building developed into an office park; DIA is located on the 3rd floor.

Building Population: Approximately 15-20 staff, can have up to 100 visitors daily.

Windows: Windows are designed to be opened but reportedly sealed shut by building management for thermal control reasons.

Occuhealth RecommendationsThe IAQ program conducted a site visit on August 8, 2016. The bulk of this report

summarizes that site visit. However, on August 8, 2016 the DIA was also visited by Mr. Tom

Hamilton, Certified Industrial Hygienist, from OccuHealth, Inc. (OHI) an Environmental

Consultant firm. Shortly after the visit by OccuHealth, Mr. Hamilton provided the following

preliminary findings/recommendations:

Replace ceiling tiles in the IT room that were exposed to chemicals during the battery

release.

Contact the manufacturers for proper instructions to have the interior of equipment in the

IT room thoroughly cleaned.

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Seal the open duct found above the ceiling in the IT room and have it properly labeled in

case of future use.

Inspect the electrical panel on the wall behind the Eaton battery unit in the IT room.

Evaluate the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for provision of

fresh air introduction.

Clean additional offices serviced by the fan coil unit (FCU) outside Regional Director’s

office.

Work with battery manufacturer to determine why meltdown occurred to prevent

reoccurrence; and

Perform a complete fresh air “Flush” of the building if possible, based on the evaluation

of the HVAC system (OHI, 2016).

METHODSPlease refer to the IAQ Manual and appendices for methods, sampling procedures, and

interpretation of results (MDPH, 2015).

BACKGROUNDIt was reported by DIA staff that due to a malfunction of the air conditioning (AC)

system, elevated temperatures were experienced in the IT/computer equipment room that

reportedly caused lead acid batteries to expand, releasing gas/odors into the air (likely including

sulfuric acid) (Picture 1). In the days following, DIA staff reportedly experienced symptoms

including metallic taste in mouth and allergenic and respiratory irritation. As a result, a

professional remediation company, Service Master, was contacted to conduct clean-up of the

space. Service Master cleaned the flat surfaces in the office and used air scrubbers to remove

contaminants from the air.

RESULTS and DISCUSSIONThe following is a summary of MDPH indoor air testing results (Table 1):

Carbon dioxide levels were above the MDPH recommended guideline of 800 parts per

million (ppm) in all but two areas surveyed, which indicates a limited introduction of

fresh air/air exchange at the time of assessment.

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Temperature was within the MDPH recommended range of 70°F to 78°F in all areas

tested.

Relative humidity was within the MDPH recommended range of 40 to 60% in all areas

tested.

Carbon monoxide levels were non-detectable in all areas tested.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations measured were below the National Ambient

Air Quality (NAAQS) level of 35 μg/m3 in all areas tested.

Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) were measured at very slight

concentrations (< 1.0 ppm) in all areas tested.

Odors

At the time of the MDPH/BEH assessment, no sulfur-related odors were detected;

however a few DIA staff members were reporting on-going symptoms of irritation. Sulfuric acid

vapor will interact with copper to cause it to have a darkened stain (Picture 2). No darkened

copper piping was noted in the ceiling plenum above the IT room (Picture 3). This finding

indicates that sulfuric acid vapor was confined mostly to the IT room interior. As reported by Mr.

Hamilton, surface pH samples of areas in the IT room were neutral, indicating that no acid

residue was detected on sampled surfaces.

It is possible that these symptoms resulted from the presence of plastic residue that

melted and became aerosolized during this incident. Burnt plastic odor can be irritating to the

eyes, nose and respiratory system. Of note was a clear plastic tape that was wrapped around the

batteries (Picture 1). It is possible the heat and/or sulfuric acid caused the clear plastic to degrade

and release plastic residue into the air. In addition, insulation on piping within the air-

conditioning (AC Unit) installed in the IT Room appears to have melted (Picture 4).

If melted plastic becomes airborne, any device that either directs air by convection (e.g.,

electrical panels) or by powered fans (e.g., computer equipment, return air ducts) can draw these

materials in the air, which would readily coat surfaces within the air stream. Such equipment

could serve as a reservoir for continuous odors. Of note was the existence of an open and

operating return duct above the IT room in the ceiling plenum (Picture 5), which appeared to

have been previously used for airflow. This duct appears to be connected to the general HVAC

system, which can draw odors/particulates and distribute them to other areas of the floor.

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During this assessment, BEH/IAQ staff identified the use of an operating air scrubber in

the main hallway. This equipment emits hydroxylated oxygen to neutralize odors. This type of

equipment is not recommended for use in occupied spaces since it can cause respiratory irritation

in exposed individuals.

Finally, because the battery failure likely caused the release of plastic residue and a return

vent exists in the ceiling plenum above the IT room, the ceiling tile system itself could serve as a

lingering source of odors. Ceiling tiles are a porous material that can absorb odors and cannot be

readily cleaned once exposed to plastic/chemical residue.

Ventilation

A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has several functions. First it

provides heating and, if equipped, cooling. Second, it is a source of fresh air. Finally, an HVAC

system will dilute and remove normally occurring indoor environmental pollutants by not only

introducing fresh air, but by filtering the airstream and ejecting stale air to the outdoors via

exhaust ventilation. Even if an HVAC system is operating as designed, point sources of

respiratory irritation may exist and cause symptoms in sensitive individuals. Due to the elevated

carbon dioxide readings, it would appear that the HVAC system was not bringing in adequate

fresh/outside air and/or not providing adequate air exchange.

The HVAC system consists of a number of fan coil units (FCUs, Picture 6) located above

ceiling tiles throughout the floor. It was not clear how or if these units provided fresh outside air

to the space. Air is filtered, heated/cooled, and directed to occupied spaces via ducted ceiling

vents (Picture 7). Return air is vented through ceiling-mounted vents back to the FCUs (Picture

8). The system is controlled by digital wall thermostats. IAQ staff examined the abandoned

return vent (Picture 5) and traced it to a FCU unit in the ceiling of the hallway on the northwest

corner of the building. Of note is that this same duct completely traverses the ceiling plenum

above the adjacent courtroom ceiling, with no return/intake opening that would draw air from the

occupied space.

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Microbial/Moisture Concerns

In order for building materials to support mold growth, a source of water is necessary.

Water-damaged ceiling tiles were found in Court Room 2. These represent areas of roof or

plumbing leaks and should be replaced once the leaks are found and repaired.

Other Conditions

Other conditions that can affect IAQ were observed during the assessment. Some areas

have wall to wall carpeting. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification

(IICRC) recommends that carpeting be cleaned annually (or semi-annually in soiled high traffic

areas) (IICRC, 2012). Regular cleaning with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered

vacuum in combination with an annual cleaning will help to reduce accumulation and potential

aerosolization of materials from carpeting.

Several supply, exhaust, and return vents were observed to have accumulated dust/debris.

If exhaust vents are not functioning, backdrafting can occur, which can re-aerosolize

accumulated dust particles. Supply vents can aerosolize accumulated dust once activated.

CONCLUSIONS and RECOMMENDATIONSIn view of the findings at the time of the visit, the following recommendations are made:

1. Implement the recommendations made by OHI, particularly those in relation to

examining the HVAC system for adequate introduction of fresh/outside air.

2. Examine whether the insulation in Picture 4 has melted and replace if needed.

3. Consider relocating unused return duct found in the ceiling plenum above IT Equipment

room to adjacent courtroom.

4. Ensure roof/plumbing leaks are repaired and replace any water-damaged ceiling tiles.

5. Consider adopting a balancing schedule of every 5 years for all mechanical ventilation

systems, as recommended by ventilation industrial standards (SMACNA, 1994).

6. For buildings in New England, periods of low relative humidity during the winter are

often unavoidable. Therefore, scrupulous cleaning practices should be adopted to

minimize common indoor air contaminants whose irritant effects can be enhanced when

the relative humidity is low. To control for dusts, a high efficiency particulate arrestance

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(HEPA) filter equipped vacuum cleaner in conjunction with wet wiping of all surfaces is

recommended. Avoid the use of feather dusters. Drinking water during the day can help

ease some symptoms associated with a dry environment (throat and sinus irritation).

7. Clean supply, exhaust and return vents periodically of accumulated dust.

8. Clean carpeting annually or semi-annually in soiled high traffic areas as per the

recommendations of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

(IICRC, 2012).

9. Refer to resource manual and other related indoor air quality documents located on the

MDPH’s website for further building-wide evaluations and advice on maintaining public

buildings. These documents are available at http://mass.gov/dph/iaq.

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REFERENCESIICRC. 2012. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Carpet Cleaning: FAQ. Retrieved from http://www.iicrc.org/consumers/care/carpet-cleaning/#faq.

MDPH. 2015. Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Indoor Air Quality Manual: Chapters I-III. Available at: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/environmental-health/exposure-topics/iaq/iaq-manual/.

OHI. 2016. OccuHealth Inc. Email “Site visit preliminary initial findings, DIA offices Fall River” from Tom Hamilton to Paul Przystarz DTA. August 09, 2016.

SMACNA. 1994. HVAC Systems Commissioning Manual. 1st ed. Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, Inc., Chantilly, VA.

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Picture 1

Computer room battery, note distended shape and clear plastic wrap/tape(Photo provided by Paul A. Przystarz, Regional Manager, Department of Industrial Accidents)

Picture 2

Darkened copper pipe in IT room

Picture 3

Non-discolored pipe in ceiling plenum above IT room

Picture 4

Possibly melted insulation, note copper pipe discoloration adjacent to insulation

Picture 5

Open return vent above IT room (sealed with shopping bag by BEH/IAQ staff)

Picture 6

FCU in ceiling plenum

Picture 7

Fresh air supplies

Picture 8

Return vent

Location: Department of Industrial Accidents Indoor Air Results

Address: 1 Father DeValles Blvd., Fall River, MA Table 1 Date: 8/8/2016

Location

CarbonDioxide(ppm)

Carbon Monoxide

(ppm)Temp(°F)

RelativeHumidity

(%)TVOCs(ppm)

PM2.5(µg/m3)

Occupantsin Room

WindowsOpenable

VentilationRemarksIntake Exhaust

Background (outside) 385 ND 86 36 ND 6 Partly cloudy, hot

Regional Manager 946 ND 73 49 0.2 ND 4 N Y Y

Admin Judge Vendetti 908 ND 73 49 0.2 ND 0 N Y Y

Admin Secretary (Vendetti) 1005 ND 74 49 0.2 ND 0 N Y Y

Hallway (Reg Mgr) 908 ND 74 48 0.2 1 0 Air Purifier (oxygen hydroxylator)

Admin Secretary (Sullivan) 889 ND 74 45 0.2 1 0 N Y Y

Equipment Room 930 ND 74 45 0.3 1 3 N N Y**Abandoned return duct found above ceiling tile system

Judge Sullivan 929 ND 75 47 0.3 ND 1 N Y Y

Judge Vierra 841 ND 74 46 0.3 1 0 N Y Y

Judge McManus 825 ND 74 46 0.3 1 0 N Y Y

Admin Secretary McElroy 876 ND 74 46 0.3 5 0 N Y Y

ppm = parts per million ND = non detect WD = water-damaged CT = ceiling tilesµg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter

Comfort GuidelinesCarbon Dioxide: < 800 ppm = preferred Temperature: 70 - 78 °F

> 800 ppm = indicative of ventilation problems Relative Humidity: 40 - 60%

Table 1, page 1

Location: Department of Industrial Accidents Indoor Air ResultsAddress: 1 Father DeValles Blvd., Fall River, MA Table 1 (continued) Date: 8/8/2016

Location

CarbonDioxide(ppm)

Carbon Monoxide

(ppm)Temp(°F)

RelativeHumidity

(%)TVOCs(ppm)

PM2.5(µg/m3)

Occupantsin Room

WindowsOpenable

VentilationRemarksIntake Exhaust

Admin Secretary Briggs 873 ND 74 47 0.3 1 1 N Y Y

Assigned Admin Judge 855 ND 74 46 0.3 1 0 N Y Y

Stenography 955 ND 75 46 0.3 ND 2 N Y y

Staff Room 966 ND 75 48 0.4 1 1 N Y Y

Conference Room 815 ND 74 49 0.3 1 0 N Y Y

Front Office 874 ND 75 50 0.4 1 3 N Y Y

Conciliator Cox 866 ND 74 48 0.3 3 0 N Y Y

Conciliator Townley 827 ND 74 51 0.4 1 0 N Y Y Former window leak-drooping paint

VR Review OFC 843 ND 75 51 0.4 1 0 N Y Y

Conciliator Gonsalves 906 ND 74 52 0.4 1 1 N Y Y

Attorney Lounge 935 ND 74 52 0.4 1 1 N Y Y

ppm = parts per million ND = non detect WD = water-damaged CT = ceiling tilesµg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter

Comfort GuidelinesCarbon Dioxide: < 800 ppm = preferred Temperature: 70 - 78 °F

> 800 ppm = indicative of ventilation problems Relative Humidity: 40 - 60%

Table 1, page 2

Location: Department of Industrial Accidents Indoor Air ResultsAddress: 1 Father DeValles Blvd., Fall River, MA Table 1 (continued) Date: 8/8/2016

Location

CarbonDioxide(ppm)

Carbon Monoxide

(ppm)Temp(°F)

RelativeHumidity

(%)TVOCs(ppm)

PM2.5(µg/m3)

Occupantsin Room

WindowsOpenable

VentilationRemarksIntake Exhaust

Lobby 904 ND 74 51 0.4 1 6 N Y Y

Travelling Staff 909 ND 74 51 0.4 1 0 N Y Y Dust/debris on vents

Court Room 1 743 ND 74 45 0.4 1 0 N Y Y

Court Room 2 711 ND 74 44 0.3 2 0 N Y Y 6 WD CT

Court Room 3 840 ND 74 48 0.4 1 0 N Y Y

Court Room 4 865 ND 73 48 0.3 1 0 N Y Y

ppm = parts per million ND = non detect WD = water-damaged CT = ceiling tilesµg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter

Comfort GuidelinesCarbon Dioxide: < 800 ppm = preferred Temperature: 70 - 78 °F

> 800 ppm = indicative of ventilation problems Relative Humidity: 40 - 60%

Table 1, page 3